Nine veterans of the Second World War Dunkirk evacuations were part of a 19-strong flotilla of preserved ships sailing from Hampton Court to Weybridge Mariners Club on Sunday.

The vessels were part of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS), and the event also featured veterans from Bomber Command, the Atlantic and Russian convoys, Normandy landings and Chelsea Pensioners.

After assembling at the Thames Motor Yacht Club in Hampton Court the historic ensemble travelled down the River Thames to the Weybridge Mariners clubhouse at Shepperton Lock Island.

Weybridge Mariners Clubs members hosted veterans and their helpers for lunch (Image: TMS)

Jim Pothecary, from the Weybridge Mariners, said the day went extremely well.

“All the vets arrived safely, and the little ships looked resplendent with decks full of excited veterans,” he said.

“The Mariners club members worked very hard to make sure that the event ran as smoothly as it did.”

Singer Sophie moved among guests with songs from wartime and the 1950s, Mr Pothecary said, adding it was ‘smiles all round’.

Nine members of the Dunkirk evacuations gathered to join a flotilla of 19 preserved vessels (Image: TMS)

Councillor Jan Fuller, the Mayor of Elmbridge, and Captain Andy Jordan RN, commander of the Naval Training School Collingwood, were also among the party.

On arrival at Shepperton Lock Island the veterans were disembarked to the sounds of a Highland piper.

“Here the club members provided lunch for more than 120 veterans and helpers and also provided entertainment,” Mr Pothecary said. “Many of the veterans departed in vintage cars assembled on the Weybridge bankside.”